FORMER Warrington forward Tawera Nikau has had his right leg amputated after complications arose from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, according to reports in New Zealand.

The ex-Kiwi international and Maori captain, who had a spell with the Wolves following National Rugby League Premiership success at Melbourne Storm in 1999, broke his leg on July 1 when he crashed into an oncoming car at Ohinewai on New Zealand's central north island.

The 36-year-old had at least four operations on the broken femur immediately after the incident, but surgeons at Waikato Hospital were apparently forced to amputate below the knee late on Wednesday night due to complications.

Described by New Zealand Rugby League executive director Selwyn Pearson as one of the game's "favourite sons", Nikau won 19 caps for the Kiwis before deciding to represent his native people at the 2000 World Cup.